SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PCB MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, EXTERNAL (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to develop, drive, and maintain suppliers, from initial concept development to full scale production.

This is a high-profile, cross functional position that plays an integral role in enabling development and production flow of Satellites and Gateways. You will work in close coordination with internal engineering and manufacturing departments as well as directly with suppliers to execute effective, creative and smart supply chain strategies to achieve production goals. With integration taking place in-house, supplier development engineers are able to see their assemblies come to life every day!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own continuity of supply for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and components on the Starshield program
Collaborate with design, R&D, commercial supply chain, hardware reliability, and production teams to manage suppliers and deliver world class products for our customers
Support procurement team to strategically source parts matched with supplier capabilities by reviewing and assessing supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems
Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers
Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow downs to meet hardware manufacturing needs
Implement and monitor production part approval process (PPAP) with selected suppliers to enable rate production
Ensure qualification and reliability activities at suppliers are in line with requirements
Develop and approve process controls to control critical characteristics
Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and opportunities for defects
Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and pinpoint systemic performance gaps to drive supplier improvement plans
Provide feedback to suppliers as appropriate on manufacturing methods, with a specific focus on eliminating costs, reducing cycle times, and increasing yields
Function as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues and to provide technical support
Drive supplier root cause failure analysis and corrective actions associated with any quality gaps, escapes, or containments
Lead projects and present reports to internal teams, management, and/or suppliers
Act as internal owner of supplier’s statistical process control (SPC), yield improvement activities, new tool/process qualification, and performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
Experience with printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineering laminates, electrochemical processes, and/or microelectronics fabrication (including school projects, clubs, or internships)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree in engineering, business, or supply chain
Working knowledge of supplier quality processes (PPAP, APQP, FAIR, RCCA failure analysis, lean methods, etc.) and quality systems (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., SPC, design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc.
Disciplined approach to problem solving – 8D
Electronics manufacturing experience, preferably with PCBs for high-speed / RF applications
Experience with sharing information and influencing others across organizational lines, internally and externally
Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with minimal oversight and learn new skills on-the-job quickly and efficiently
Ability to identify and maintain priorities for tasks and projects while staying organized
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to make presentations to suppliers, team members and management

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
Ability to travel: Up to 25-60% travel required (domestic and international)
Valid driver’s license

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year

Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

PCB Manufacturing Engineer, External (Starshield)